British Columbia health officials say they understand the frustration directed at people who defy COVID-19 restrictions, but urged residents to continue following the guidelines to prevent infection. B.C. reported 617 new cases of COVID-19 on Friday and 18 more deaths, bringing the provincial toll to 988. Health Minister Adrian Dix and provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry say in a joint statement they know it can be frustrating to hear of people not following the guidelines, such as those travelling for non-essential reasons. But they say those who are making the effort to stick to the

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is again condemning violent rioters he says were incited by U.S. President Donald Trump and other politicians on Capitol Hill this week. Speaking outside his residence in Ottawa today, he called Wednesday's events an "assault on democracy" and says such violence has no place in society. He says he discussed the issue during his call with provincial and territorial premiers Thursday evening, when he said that democracy is resilient, but it also takes work. He says it is an accomplishment to have and maintain a political system where the party that loses an electio

The Canadian economy in December posted its first monthly loss of jobs since April. Statistics Canada says the economy lost 63,000 jobs in the final month of the year. CIBC senior economist Royce Mendes says another month of losses could be coming in January. But Mendes says there are brighter days on the horizon as COVID-19 vaccines roll out to Canadians. The loss of jobs in December ended a streak of monthly job gains that began in May, when initial restrictions put in place to slow the spread of the pandemic began to ease.

A man has died in a suspected targeted shooting in Richmond, B.C.RCMP say the victim was found in a park in the Steveston neighbourhood at around 8:30 p.m. Thursday.A statement from Richmond RCMP says the man died a short time later in hospital. The Integrated Homicide Investigation Team has taken over the case.The deadly attack is the first in Richmond in 2021 and comes just two days after a targeted shooting in Surrey killed 24-year-old Gary Kang.Homicide investigators confirm Kang had known gang affiliations, but they are not linking his slaying with the latest violence in Richmond.

British Columbia's top doctor says COVID-19 restrictions that were set to expire Friday have been extended to Feb. 5. Dr. Bonnie Henry announced the extension while reporting eight more deaths and 761 new cases of COVID-19, saying the spike is partly related to changes in how the province is reporting cases each day. She says the curve of the outbreak is trending up again, so it's not the time to ease restrictions and if further action is required to limit the spread, it will be taken. The public health rules prohibit social gatherings among people from different households, as well as adult

Strategic targeted enforcement by the Surrey RCMP Gang Enforcement Team’s (SGET) has led to the seizure of drugs and cash, from a hidden compartment inside a vehicle. On January 1, 2021 at approximately 11 p.m., an SGET officer conducted a traffic stop with a Nissan Maxima, in the 9000-block of 156 Street. During the interaction with the driver, the officer observed a knife and bear spray inside the vehicle. As a result, the driver was arrested for possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose. As the investigation progressed, the officer observed signs that there may be a hidden compartmen

Investigators are appealing for witnesses, dashcam video or other surveillance tape as they investigate the first homicide of the year in Surrey, B.C.A statement from the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team identifies 24-year-old Gary Kang as the man fatally shot at his home in Surrey's Morgan Heights neighbourhood early Wednesday.The statement says Kang was known to police, had a history of gang activity and his death is linked to ongoing conflict in Metro Vancouver. Police believe more than one suspect was involved in the attack.They say they are also exploring possible connections betwe

British Columbia's health minister and provincial health officer urged people to look after their mental health and well-being as the province reported 625 new cases of COVID-19 on Wednesday. The province also reported eight additional deaths from COVID-19, bringing the death toll to 962. The new numbers bring the province's total number of cases since the pandemic began to 55,254, with 6,343 active cases. Health Minister Adrian Dix and Dr. Bonnie Henry say in a statement that this time of year can be difficult for people, and COVID-19 can compound those difficulties. The pair urged people to

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has taken a low-key approach to the pro-Trump violence in Washington. Trudeau spoke about the situation in a radio interview today on News 1130 in Vancouver. He says his government will continue to make sure Canadians are well served in their relationship with the US. Trudeau also expressed hope that everything will return to normal shortly. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says Canadians are deeply disturbed and saddened by what is happening. World leaders are condemning the storming of the US Capitol by supporters of President Donald Trump. Leaders expressed shock